Evan Smith: Ryu says that negotiations over Point Wells can’t wait for Snohomish County

Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-32

By Evan Smith

ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

State Rep. Cindy Ryu says that negotiations over the impacts of the proposed Point Wells development can’t wait for Snohomish County to act.

Ryu has co-sponsored a bill with fellow 32nd District Democratic State Rep. Ruth Kagi to limit residential development at Point Wells unless Snohomish County negotiates over impacts of the development.

Snohomish County Councilman Dave Somers testified against the bill at a State House of Representatives committee hearing Friday, saying that the County would be willing to negotiate with the cities of Shoreline and Woodway but only after the County has completed its own review of the project.

Owners of the former industrial site at Point Wells have proposed building a large residential community at the southwest Snohomish County site.

Property tax revenue from the site would go to Snohomish County but the only way to and from the site would be on a narrow road in Shoreline.

Kagi told me Tuesday that she expects the House local government committee to approve the bill this week.

Kagi added that the issue was clear to committee members, who asked good questions about why the County and cities had not been successful negotiating on the issue.

Ryu said that she applauds Somers for being willing to meet with Rep. Ruth Kagi, but she said that she continues to call for respect for Richmond Beach residents who would feel the impact of added traffic from the development.

“It is time for State intervention because negotiating after Snohomish County's review will not protect Shoreline's interests,” Ryu said, “As a Richmond Beach resident and former council member and mayor of Shoreline, I am familiar with and passionate about ensuring that our community have a say in the Point Wells development.”

Ryu said that she was proud to speak in favor of the bill along with Kagi as well as Woodway City Council members, who voiced support, and with Edmonds City Councilman DJ Wilson.

The bill and a companion bill sponsored by Sen. Maralyn Chase would limit density at Point Wells to the density of nearby cities unless the County negotiates over impacts with nearby cities.

The Senate bill was to have a hearing Tuesday afternoon.

Chase, Kagi and Ryu represent Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Woodway, Kenmore, south Edmonds and the rest of the 32nd Legislative District.